Two LNG-Fuelled Ships Officially Join Seaspan Ferries’ Fleet

Canadian transport provider Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) has officially welcomed two new dual-fuelled/hybrid ferries at a double commissioning ceremony held at the company’s Tilbury Terminal on April 9.

The two diesel, liquefied natural gas and battery-powered vessels, the Seaspan Swift and the Seaspan Reliant, are said to be the first eco-ferries of their kind in North America.

“The Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant are the first of the next generation of vessels fuelled by B.C.’s clean-burning LNG,” Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia, said.

Following their construction at Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey, the Seaspan Swift arrived in British Columbia in December 2016 and entered operation in January 2017, while the Seaspan Reliant arrived in late February and is scheduled to begin service later this month, according to SFC.

The 148.9-meter-long ferries, which can accommodate up to 59, 53’ trailers, mark the first new vessels added to SFC’s fleet since 2002.

“The introduction of two new technologically advanced, LNG-fuelled vessels represents the beginning of the realization of a … vision to re-construct our marine terminals and modernize the vessels that service them,” Steve Roth, SFC’s President, pointed out.

SFC currently operates a fleet of seven ferries out of five terminals in British Columbia and supplies more than 50% of all cargo to Vancouver Island.